Elliott Nelson

Elliott Nelson

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and an active member in the Jewish community, passed away on August 19, 2024.

Elliott was born in Indianapolis’ Southside on April 26, 1940, to the late Dave and Anna Lisker Nelson. He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1958 and attended Indiana University, where he studied marketing and was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.

It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Estelle Calderón. Theirs was a lifelong love affair. They met as young teenagers and married in 1962.

He followed in his father-in-law’s footsteps, joining Al Calderon’s Modern Vending Company in 1963 and became the company’s president in 1972 until his retirement. Elliott owned real estate ventures and was active in various organizations, serving on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Vending Council, the Coffee Development Group, Indianapolis Athletic Club, and Broadmoor Country Club. Elliott also served as President of Crime Stoppers and as a Director of Rotary and the Indianapolis Public Safety Board. He believed in paying it forward by offering a “hand-up” to many, often with anonymity.

As the son of immigrant parents, Elliott was grateful for the opportunities afforded by the United States and believed in civic service. Elliott proudly served as a United States Air Force staff sergeant.

Elliott was also very active in the Indianapolis Jewish community, serving as a board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, and he was a member of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, and a life member of Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation.

Elliott's passing leaves a void in the lives of his beloved family. He is survived by his wife Estelle; children Alan Nelson (Stephen Mooney) and Michelle Anixter (Darren); and grandchildren Evan, Grant, and Austin. His sisters Libby Goble and Pauline Newman (Norman), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins, mourn his loss.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and Max.

Elliott was grateful for his meaningful relationships with family and friends. He loved holding court and telling stories with his grandsons, nieces, and nephews; playful shenanigans with his many friends; and striking up conversations with strangers.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road. Burial will follow in Congregation Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a show of support by making a contribution to the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service Office or the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.